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Twenty-year-old pedestrian killed in hit and run accident at Five Dock

Jacob Saulwick

Siaki Mafoa, who died after being struck by a car on Parramatta Road. Photo: Facebook

The 20-year-old who died after a hit-and-run in Five Dock on Friday night was a father of two and engaged to be married.

Police are appealing to the driver of the ute that struck Siaki ’’Jack’’ Mafoa on Parramatta Road at about 7.45pm to come forward.

Mr Mafoa, an apprentice plumber, had been with friends at the Illinois Hotel, Five Dock, when on leaving the pub he was struck by a west-bound ute.

Inspector Phil Brooks from NSW Police traffic and highway patrol said the front-left of the ute would probably be damaged and asked for anyone who had seen a vehicle matching its description near Five Dock to volunteer the information.

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He said the driver would have been aware that they had struck Mr Mafoa.

"In this situation a motorist that has struck a pedestrian by the side of the road in front of many people would have obviously known they have been involved in a crash,’’ Inspector Brooks said.

Inspector Brooks said the vehicle was described as an older-model silver or white tray-backed ute, and either a Holden Rodeo or a Toyota Hilux.

After Mr Mafoa was hit by the ute a female driver stopped, helped him in her car, and started to drive him to Concord Hospital.

She came across an ambulance nearby, flagged the ambulance down, and Mr Mafoa was taken into the ambulance.

He died of cardiac arrest in the ambulance.

"This is a very challenging situation for the family involved and no doubt many have lost an uncle and a brother,’’ Inspector Brooks said.

Mr Mafoa’s sister, Ana Mafoa, said the family was still in shock. ‘‘We’re just so shocked and just devastated,’’ she told reporters.

"He used to make everyone smile, he was just funny,’’ she said. "He was like a family man and he loved his kids."

The family say they are prepared to forgive the driver of the car that killed MrMafoa.

His brother, Semisi Mafoa said, ‘‘I just want him to turn himself in, either way he’s going to get caught.’’

The inspector appealed to motorists to drive safely in the wet weather this weekend after a number of serious accidents across the state on Friday night.